Named characters

Major entities (proper, common)

FAC

111 the room/the Room/The room
60 here/Here
53 the school/the School
48 the castle/The castle
42 there
37 the common room/The common room
29 the Room of Requirement/The Room of Requirement
25 the corridor
21 the house/The house/the House
21 school

GPE

8 the village
6 there
4 this place
3 the country
3 the place
2 the West Country
2 here
2 the village of Little Hangleton
1 a far distant country
1 a country

LOC

21 the lake
15 the world
15 the water/The water
13 the forest/the Forest/The forest
8 the bank
8 the rock
4 the valley
4 the cliff
3 the river
3 the wizarding world/the Wizarding world

PER

132 sir/Sir
78 the Prime Minister/The Prime Minister
72 people/People
48 each other
44 nobody/Nobody
41 Professor
37 anyone/Anyone
37 everyone/Everyone
27 someone/Someone
26 the Dark Lord/The Dark Lord

ORG

49 the Ministry/The Ministry
5 the Ministry of Magic
4 the team
2 the government
2 the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures
2 the Department of Magical Law Enforcement
2 the Magical Law Enforcement Squad
2 the Order of the Phoenix
1 the Muggle Liaison Office
1 the -- er -- Wizarding community

VEH

22 the train/The train
15 the boat/The boat
4 the car
2 this boat
1 a dozen cars
1 the special Ministry of Magic cars , in which Harry had ridden once before
1 a pirate ship
1 Ministry cars
1 The Ministry cars
1 the cars

Text

[Harry Potter]_136-harry and [The Half - Blood Prince]_{649-the half - blood prince}

Chapter 1 : [The Other Minister]_{650-the other minister}

It was nearing midnight and [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} was sitting alone in [[his]_{651-the prime minister} office]_{652-his office} , reading a long memo that was slipping through [his]_{651-the prime minister} brain without leaving the slightest trace of meaning behind . [He]_{651-the prime minister} was waiting for a call from [the President of [a far distant country]_{654-a far distant country}]_{653-the president of a far distant country} , and between wondering when [the wretched man]_{655-the wretched man} would telephone , and trying to suppress unpleasant memories of what had been a very long , tiring , and difficult week , there was not much space in [his]_{651-the prime minister} head for anything else . The more [he]_{651-the prime minister} attempted to focus on the print on the page before [him]_{651-the prime minister} , the more clearly [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} could see the gloating face of [one of [[his]_{651-the prime minister} political opponents]_{658-his political opponents}]_{657-one of his political opponents} . [This particular opponent]_{659-this particular opponent} had appeared on the news that very day , not only to enumerate all the terrible things that had happened in the last week ( as though [anyone]_660-anyone needed reminding ) but also to explain why each and every one of [them]_661-them was [the government]_{662-the government} 's fault . [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} 's pulse quickened at the very thought of these accusations , for they were neither fair nor true . How on earth was [[his]_{651-the prime minister} government]_{664-his government} supposed to have stopped that bridge collapsing ? It was outrageous for [anybody]_665-anybody to suggest that [they]_665-anybody were not spending enough on [bridges]_666-bridges . [The bridge]_{667-the bridge} was fewer than ten years old , and [the best experts]_{668-the best experts} were at a loss to explain why it had snapped cleanly in two , sending [a dozen cars]_{669-a dozen cars} into the watery depths of [the river]_{670-the river} below . And how dare [anyone]_660-anyone suggest that it was lack of [policemen]_{672-policemen} that had resulted in those two very nasty and well - publicized murders ? Or that [the government]_{662-the government} should have somehow foreseen the freak hurricane in [the West Country]_{674-the west country} that had caused so much damage to [both people]_{675-both people} and property ? And was it [his]_{651-the prime minister} fault that [one of [[his]_{651-the prime minister} Junior Ministers]_{677-his junior ministers}]_{676-one of his junior ministers} , [Herbert Chorley]_{137-herbert chorley} , had chosen this week to act so peculiarly that [he]_{676-one of his junior ministers} was now going to be spending a lot more time with [[his]_{676-one of his junior ministers} family]_{678-his family} ? " A grim mood has gripped [the country]_{4344-the country} , "_{[679-the opponent]} [the opponent]_{679-the opponent} had concluded , barely concealing [his]_{679-the opponent} own broad grin . And unfortunately , this was perfectly true . [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} felt it [himself]_{651-the prime minister} ; [people]_681-people really did seem more miserable than usual . Even the weather was dismal ; all this chilly mist in the middle of July ... It was n't right , it was n't normal ... [He]_{651-the prime minister} turned over the second page of the memo , saw how much longer it went on , and gave it up as a bad job . Stretching [his]_{651-the prime minister} arms above [his]_{651-the prime minister} head [he]_{651-the prime minister} looked around [[his]_{651-the prime minister} office]_{652-his office} mournfully . [It]_{652-his office} was [a handsome room]_{683-a handsome room} , with a fine marble fireplace facing the long sash windows , firmly closed against the unseasonable chill . With a slight shiver , [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} got up and moved over to the window , looking out at the thin mist that was pressing itself against the glass . It was then , as [he]_{651-the prime minister} stood with [his]_{651-the prime minister} back to [the room]_{685-the room} , that [he]_{651-the prime minister} heard a soft cough behind [him]_{651-the prime minister} . [He]_{651-the prime minister} froze , nose to nose with [his]_{651-the prime minister} own scared - looking reflection in the dark glass . [He]_{651-the prime minister} knew that cough . [He]_{651-the prime minister} had heard it before . [He]_{651-the prime minister} turned very slowly to face [the empty room]_{686-the empty room} . " [Hello]_138-hello ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} [he]_{651-the prime minister} said , trying to sound braver than [he]_{651-the prime minister} felt . For a brief moment [he]_{651-the prime minister} allowed [himself]_{651-the prime minister} the impossible hope that [nobody]_687-nobody would answer [him]_{651-the prime minister} . However , a voice responded at once , a crisp , decisive voice that sounded as though it were reading a prepared statement . It was coming -- as [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} had known at the first cough -- from [the froglike little man wearing a long silver wig who was depicted in a small , dirty oil painting in the far corner of [the room]_{685-the room}]_{689-the froglike little man wearing a long silver wig who was depicted in a small , dirty oil painting in the far corner of the room} . " To [the Prime Minister of [Muggles]_143-muggles]_{4345-the prime minister of muggles} . Urgent [we]_4346-we meet . Kindly respond immediately . Sincerely , [Fudge]_139-fudge . "_{[691-the man in the painting]} [The man in the painting]_{691-the man in the painting} looked inquiringly at [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} . " Er , "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} , " listen ... Its not a very good time for [me]_{651-the prime minister} ... [I]_{651-the prime minister} 'm waiting for a telephone call , [you]_{691-the man in the painting} see ... from the President of-- "_{[651-the prime minister]} " That can be rearranged , "_{[651-the prime minister]} said the portrait at once . [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} 's heart sank . [He]_{651-the prime minister} had been afraid of that . " But [I]_{651-the prime minister} really was rather hoping to speak-- "_{[651-the prime minister]} " [We]_4346-we shall arrange for [the President]_{4347-the president} to forget to call . [He]_{4347-the president} will telephone tomorrow night instead , "_{[695-the little man]} said [the little man]_{695-the little man} . " Kindly respond immediately to [Mr. Fudge]_{140-mr. fudge} . "_{[695-the little man]}

" [I]_{651-the prime minister} ... oh ... very well , "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} weakly . " Yes , [I]_{651-the prime minister} 'll see [Fudge]_{140-mr. fudge} . "_{[651-the prime minister]} [He]_{651-the prime minister} hurried back to [his]_{651-the prime minister} desk , straightening [his]_{651-the prime minister} tie as [he]_{651-the prime minister} went . [He]_{651-the prime minister} had barely resumed [his]_{651-the prime minister} seat , and arranged [his]_{651-the prime minister} face into what [he]_{651-the prime minister} hoped was a relaxed and unfazed expression , when bright green flames burst into life in the empty grate beneath [his]_{651-the prime minister} marble mantelpiece . [He]_{651-the prime minister} watched , trying not to betray a flicker of surprise or alarm , as [a portly man appeared within the flames , spinning as fast as a top]_{697-a portly man appeared within the flames , spinning as fast as a top} . Seconds later , [he]_{651-the prime minister} had climbed out onto a rather fine antique rug , brushing ash from the sleeves of [his]_{651-the prime minister} long pin - striped cloak , a lime - green bowler hat in [his]_{651-the prime minister} hand . " Ah ... [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} , "_[139-fudge] said [Cornelius Fudge]_139-fudge , striding forward with [his]_139-fudge hand outstretched . " Good to see [you]_{4348-prime minister} again . "_[139-fudge] [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} could not honestly return this compliment , so said nothing at all . [He]_{651-the prime minister} was not remotely pleased to see [Fudge]_139-fudge , whose occasional appearances , apart from being downright alarming in [themselves]_{699-themselves} , generally meant that [he]_139-fudge was about to hear some very bad news . Furthermore , [Fudge]_139-fudge was looking distinctly careworn . [He]_139-fudge was thinner , balder , and grayer , and [his]_139-fudge face had a crumpled look . [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} had seen that kind of look in [politicians]_{701-politicians} before , and it never boded well . " How can [I]_{651-the prime minister} help [you]_139-fudge ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} [he]_{651-the prime minister} said , shaking [Fudge]_139-fudge 's hand very briefly and gesturing toward the hardest of the chairs in front of the desk . " Difficult to know where to begin , "_[139-fudge] muttered [Fudge]_139-fudge , pulling up the chair , sitting down , and placing [his]_139-fudge green bowler upon [his]_139-fudge knees . " What a week , what a week ... "_[139-fudge] " Had a bad one too , have [you]_139-fudge ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} asked [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} stiffly , hoping to convey by this that [he]_{651-the prime minister} had quite enough on [his]_{651-the prime minister} plate already without any extra helpings from [Fudge]_139-fudge . " Yes , of course , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge , rubbing [his]_139-fudge eyes wearily and looking morosely at [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} . " [I]_139-fudge 've been having the same week [you]_{651-the prime minister} have , [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} . [The Brockdale Bridge]_{4350-the brockdale bridge} ... [the Bones]_{141-amelia bones} and [Vance]_{142-emmeline vance} murders ... not to mention the ruckus in [the West Country]_{674-the west country} ... "_[139-fudge] " [You]_{651-the prime minister} -- er -- [your]_{651-the prime minister} -- [I]_139-fudge mean to say , [some of [[your]_{651-the prime minister} people]_{4353-your people}]_{4352-some of your people} were -- were involved in those -- those things , were [they]_{4352-some of your people} ? "_[139-fudge] [Fudge]_139-fudge fixed [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} with a rather stern look . " Of course [they]_{4352-some of your people} were , "_[139-fudge] [he]_139-fudge said , " Surely [you]_{651-the prime minister} 've realized what 's going on ? "_[139-fudge] " [I]_{651-the prime minister} ... "_{[651-the prime minister]} hesitated [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} . It was precisely this sort of behavior that made [him]_{651-the prime minister} dislike [Fudge]_139-fudge 's visits so much . [He]_{651-the prime minister} was , after all , [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} and did not appreciate being made to feel like [an ignorant schoolboy]_{707-an ignorant schoolboy} . But of course , it had been like this from [his]_{651-the prime minister} very first meeting with [Fudge]_139-fudge on [his]_{651-the prime minister} very first evening as [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} . [He]_{651-the prime minister} remembered it as though it were yesterday and knew it would haunt [him]_{651-the prime minister} until [his]_{651-the prime minister} dying day . [He]_{651-the prime minister} had been standing alone in [this very office]_{709-this very office} , savoring the triumph that was [his]_{651-the prime minister} after so many years of dreaming and scheming , when [he]_{651-the prime minister} had heard a cough behind [him]_{651-the prime minister} , just like tonight , and turned to find that ugly little portrait talking to [him]_{651-the prime minister} , announcing that [the Minister of Magic]_{710-the minister of magic} was about to arrive and introduce [himself]_{651-the prime minister} Naturally , [he]_{651-the prime minister} had thought that the long campaign and the strain of the election had caused [him]_{651-the prime minister} to go mad . [He]_{651-the prime minister} had been utterly terrified to find a portrait talking to [him]_{651-the prime minister} , though this had been nothing to how [he]_{651-the prime minister} felt when [a self - proclaimed wizard]_{711-a self - proclaimed wizard} had bounced out of the fireplace and shaken [his]_{651-the prime minister} hand . [He]_{651-the prime minister} had remained speechless throughout [Fudge]_139-fudge 's kindly explanation that there were [witches]_712-witches and [wizards]_713-wizards still living in secret all over [the world]_{714-the world} and [his]_139-fudge reassurances that [he]_139-fudge was not to bother [his]_139-fudge head about [them]_715-them as [the Ministry of Magic]_{716-the ministry of magic} took responsibility for [the whole Wizarding community]_{717-the whole wizarding community} and prevented [the non - magical population]_{718-the non - magical population} from getting wind of [them]_715-them . It was , said [Fudge]_139-fudge , a difficult job that encompassed everything from regulations on responsible use of broomsticks to keeping [the dragon population]_{719-the dragon population} under control ( [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} remembered clutching the desk for support at this point ) . [Fudge]_139-fudge had then patted the shoulder of [the sLill - dumbstruck Prime Minister]_{721-the slill - dumbstruck prime minister} in a fatherly sort of way . " Not to worry , "_[139-fudge] [he]_139-fudge had said , " it 's odds - on [you]_{721-the slill - dumbstruck prime minister} 'll never see [me]_139-fudge again . [I]_139-fudge 'll only bother [you]_{721-the slill - dumbstruck prime minister} if there 's something really serious going on [our]_4354-our end , something that 's likely to affect [the Muggles]_143-muggles -- [the non - magical population]_{718-the non - magical population} , [I]_139-fudge should say . Otherwise , it 's live and let live . And [I]_139-fudge must say , [you]_{721-the slill - dumbstruck prime minister} 're taking it a lot better than [[your]_{721-the slill - dumbstruck prime minister} predecessor]_{4356-your predecessor} . [He]_{4356-your predecessor} tried to throw [me]_139-fudge out the window , thought [I]_139-fudge was a hoax planned by [the opposition]_{4357-the opposition} . "_[139-fudge] At this , [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} had found [his]_{651-the prime minister} voice at last . " [You're]_{651-the prime minister} -- [you're]_{651-the prime minister} not a hoax , then ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} It had been [his]_{651-the prime minister} last , desperate hope . " No , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge gently . " No , [I]_139-fudge 'm afraid [I]_139-fudge 'm not . Look . "_[139-fudge] And [he]_139-fudge had turned [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} 's teacup into a gerbil . " But , "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} breathlessly , watching [his]_{651-the prime minister} teacup chewing on the corner of [his]_{651-the prime minister} next speech , " but why -- why has [nobody]_687-nobody told [me--]_4359-me-- ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} " [The Minister of Magic]_{710-the minister of magic} only reveals [him]_4361-him -- or [herself]_4362-herself to [the Muggle Prime Minister of the day]_{4363-the muggle prime minister of the day} , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge , poking [his]_139-fudge wand back inside [his]_139-fudge jacket . " [We]_4364-we find it the best way to maintain secrecy . "_[139-fudge] " But then , "_{[651-the prime minister]} bleated [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} , " why has n't [a former Prime Minister]_{4365-a former prime minister} warned [me--]_4366-me-- ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} At this , [Fudge]_139-fudge had actually laughed . " [[My]_139-fudge dear]_{4367-my dear} [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} , are [you]_{4348-prime minister} ever going to tell [anybody]_665-anybody ? "_[139-fudge] Still chortling , [Fudge]_139-fudge had thrown some powder into the fireplace , stepped into the emerald flames , and vanished with a whooshing sound . [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} had stood there , quite motionless , and realized that [he]_{651-the prime minister} would never , as long as [he]_{651-the prime minister} lived , dare mention this encounter to [a living soul]_{727-a living soul} , for who in [the wide world]_{728-the wide world} would believe [him]_{651-the prime minister} ? The shock had taken a little while to wear off . For a time , [he]_{651-the prime minister} had tried to convince [himself]_{651-the prime minister} that [Fudge]_139-fudge had indeed been a hallucination brought on by lack of sleep during [his]_{651-the prime minister} grueling election campaign . In a vain attempt to rid [himself]_{651-the prime minister} of all reminders of this uncomfortable encounter , [he]_{651-the prime minister} had given the gerbil to [[his]_{651-the prime minister} delighted niece]_{729-his delighted niece} and instructed [[his]_{651-the prime minister} private secretary]_{730-his private secretary} to take down the portrait of [the ugly little man who had announced [Fudge]_139-fudge 's arrival]_{731-the ugly little man who had announced fudge 's arrival} . To [the Prime Minister]_143-muggles 's dismay , however , the portrait had proved impossible to remove . When [several carpenters]_{732-several carpenters} , [a builder or two]_{733-a builder or two} , [an art historian]_{734-an art historian} , and [the Chancellor of the Exchequer]_{735-the chancellor of the exchequer} had all tried unsuccessfully to prise it from the wall , [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} had abandoned the attempt and simply resolved to hope that the thing remained motionless and silent for the rest of [his]_{651-the prime minister} term in office . Occasionally [he]_{651-the prime minister} could have sworn [he]_{651-the prime minister} saw out of the corner of [his]_{651-the prime minister} eye [the occupant of the painting]_{737-the occupant of the painting} yawning , or else scratching [his]_{651-the prime minister} nose ; even , once or twice , simply walking out of [his]_{651-the prime minister} frame and leaving nothing but a stretch of muddy - brown canvas behind . However , [he]_{651-the prime minister} had trained [himself]_{651-the prime minister} not to look at the picture very much , and always to tell [himself]_{651-the prime minister} firmly that [his]_{651-the prime minister} eyes were playing tricks on [him]_{651-the prime minister} when anything like this happened . Then , three years ago , on a night very like tonight , [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} had been alone in [[his]_{651-the prime minister} office]_{652-his office} when the portrait had once again announced the imminent arrival of [Fudge]_139-fudge , who had burst out of the fireplace , sopping wet and in a state of considerable panic . Before [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} could ask why [he]_139-fudge was dripping all over [the Axminster]_{2-the axminster} , [Fudge]_139-fudge had started ranting about [a prison [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} had never heard of]_{741-a prison the prime minister had never heard of} , [a man named " [Serious "_{[743-a man named " serious " black]} Black]_144-sirius]_{743-a man named " serious " black} , something that sounded like " Hogwarts , "_{[743-a man named " serious " black]} and [a boy called [Harry Potter]_136-harry]_{744-a boy called harry potter} , none of which made the remotest sense to [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} . " ... [I]_139-fudge 've just come from [Azkaban]_3-azkaban , "_[139-fudge] [Fudge]_139-fudge had panted , tipping a large amount of water out of the rim of [his]_139-fudge bowler hat into [his]_139-fudge pocket . " [Middle of [the North Sea]_{4-the north sea}]_{4370-middle of the north sea} , [you]_{651-the prime minister} know , nasty flight ... [the dementors]_{4371-the dementors} are in uproar"--he_[139-fudge] shuddered--"they've never had a breakout before . Anyway , [I]_139-fudge had to come to [you]_{651-the prime minister} , [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} . [Black]_144-sirius 's [a known Muggle killer]_{4373-a known muggle killer} and may be planning to rejoin [You]_{651-the prime minister} - Know - Who .... But of course , [you]_{651-the prime minister} do n't even know who [You]_{651-the prime minister} - Know - Who is ! "_[139-fudge] [He]_139-fudge had gazed hopelessly at [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} for a moment , then said , " Well , sit down , sit down , [I]_139-fudge 'd better fill [you]_{651-the prime minister} in ... Have a whiskey ... "_[139-fudge] [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} rather resented being told to sit down in [[his]_{651-the prime minister} own office]_{748-his own office} , let alone offered [his]_{651-the prime minister} own whiskey , but [he]_{651-the prime minister} sat nevertheless . [Fudge]_139-fudge pulled out [his]_139-fudge wand , conjured two large glasses full of amber liquid out of thin air , pushed one of them into [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} 's hand , and drew up a chair . [Fudge]_139-fudge had talked for more than an hour . At one point , [he]_139-fudge had refused to say a certain name aloud and wrote it instead on a piece of parchment , which [he]_139-fudge had thrust into [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} 's whiskey - free hand . When at last [Fudge]_139-fudge had stood up to leave , [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} had stood up too . " So [you]_139-fudge think that ... "_[139-fudge] [He]_139-fudge had squinted down at the name in [his]_139-fudge left hand . " [Lord Vol--]_{145-lord vol--} "_[139-fudge] " [[He]_{145-lord vol--} - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named]_{4374-he - who - must - not - be - named} ! "_[139-fudge] snarled [Fudge]_139-fudge . " [I]_139-fudge 'm sorry ... [You]_139-fudge think that [He - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named]_{4374-he - who - must - not - be - named} is still alive , then ? "_[139-fudge] " Well , [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} says [he]_{145-lord vol--} is , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge , as [he]_139-fudge had fastened [his]_139-fudge pin - striped cloak under [his]_139-fudge chin , " but [we]_4376-we 've never found [him]_{145-lord vol--} . If [you]_139-fudge ask [me]_139-fudge , [he]_{145-lord vol--} 's not dangerous unless [he]_{145-lord vol--} 's got support , so it 's [Black]_144-sirius [we]_4376-we ought to be worrying about . [You]_139-fudge 'll put out that warning , then ? Excellent . Well , [I]_139-fudge hope [we]_4376-we do n't see [each other]_{4377-each other} again , [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} ! Good night . "_[139-fudge] But [they]_752-they had seen [each other]_{4377-each other} again . Less than a year later [a harassed - looking Fudge]_{754-a harassed - looking fudge} had appeared out of thin air in [the cabinet room]_{755-the cabinet room} to inform [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} that there had been a spot of bother at the [Kwidditch]_5-kwidditch ( or that was what it had sounded like ) World Cup and that [several Muggles]_{757-several muggles} had been " involved , "_{[754-a harassed - looking fudge]} but that [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} was not to worry , the fact that [You]_759-you - Know - Who 's Mark had been seen again meant nothing ; [Fudge]_139-fudge was sure it was an isolated incident , and [the Muggle Liaison Office]_{760-the muggle liaison office} was dealing with all memory modifications as [they]_752-they spoke . " Oh , and [I]_139-fudge almost forgot , "_[139-fudge] [Fudge]_139-fudge had added . " [We]_4376-we 're importing [three foreign dragons]_{4379-three foreign dragons} and a sphinx for the Triwizard Tournament , quite routine , but [the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]_{4380-the department for the regulation and control of magical creatures} tells [me]_139-fudge that its down in the rule book that [we]_4376-we have to notify [you]_759-you if [we]_4376-we 're bringing highly dangerous creatures into [the country]_{4344-the country} . "_[139-fudge] " [I]_{651-the prime minister} -- what -- dragons ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} spluttered [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} . " Yes , three , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge . " And a sphinx . Well , good day to [you]_{651-the prime minister} . "_[139-fudge] [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} had hoped beyond hope that dragons and sphinxes would be the worst of it , but no . Less than two years later , [Fudge]_139-fudge had erupted out of the fire yet again , this time with the news that there had been a mass breakout from [Azkaban]_3-azkaban . " A mass breakout ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} repeated [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} hoarsely . " No need to worry , no need to worry ! "_[139-fudge] shouted [Fudge]_139-fudge , already with one foot in the flames . " [We]_4376-we 'll have [them]_768-them rounded up in no time -- just thought [you]_{651-the prime minister} ought to know ! "_[139-fudge] And before [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} could shout , " Now , wait just one moment ! "_[139-fudge] [Fudge]_139-fudge had vanished in a shower of green sparks . Whatever the press and [the opposition]_{4357-the opposition} might say , [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} was not [a foolish man]_{767-a foolish man} . It had not escaped [his]_{651-the prime minister} notice that , despite [Fudge]_139-fudge 's assurances at [their]_768-them first meeting , [they]_768-them were now seeing rather a lot of [each other]_{4377-each other} , nor that [Fudge]_139-fudge was becoming more flustered with each visit . Little though [he]_{651-the prime minister} liked to think about [the Minister of Magic]_{710-the minister of magic} ( or , as [he]_{651-the prime minister} always called [Fudge]_139-fudge in [his]_{651-the prime minister} head , [the Other Minister]_{650-the other minister} ) , [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} could not help but fear that the next time [Fudge]_139-fudge appeared it would be with graver news still . [The site]_{773-the site} , therefore , of [Fudge]_139-fudge stepping out of the fire once more , looking disheveled and fretful and sternly surprised that [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} did not know exactly why [he]_139-fudge was there , was about the worst thing that had happened in the course of this extremely gloomy week . " How should [I]_{651-the prime minister} know what 's going on in [the -- er -- Wizarding community]_{4382-the -- er -- wizarding community} ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} snapped [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} now . " [I]_{651-the prime minister} have [a country]_{4383-a country} to run and quite enough concerns at the moment without-- "_{[651-the prime minister]} " [We]_4384-we have the same concerns , "_[139-fudge] [Fudge]_139-fudge interrupted . " [The Brock - dale Bridge]_{4385-the brock - dale bridge} did n't wear out . That was n't really a hurricane . Those murders were not the work of [Muggles]_143-muggles . [And [Herbert Chorley]_{137-herbert chorley} 's family]_{4386-and herbert chorley 's family} would be safer without [him]_139-fudge . [We]_4384-we are currently making arrangements to have [him]_139-fudge transferred to [St. Mungo 's Hospital]_{4387-st. mungo 's hospital} for Magical Maladies and Injuries . The move should be effected tonight . "_[139-fudge] " What do [you]_139-fudge ... [I]_{651-the prime minister} 'm afraid [I]_{651-the prime minister} ... What ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} blustered [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} . [Fudge]_139-fudge took a great , deep breath and said , " [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} , [I]_139-fudge am very sorry to have to tell [you]_{4348-prime minister} that [he]_139-fudge 's back . [He]_139-fudge - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named is back . "_[139-fudge] " Back ? When [you]_139-fudge say ' back ' ... [he]_139-fudge 's alive ? [I]_139-fudge mean-- "_[139-fudge] [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} groped in [his]_{651-the prime minister} memory for the details of that horrible conversation of three years previously , when [Fudge]_139-fudge had told [him]_{651-the prime minister} about [the wizard who was feared above all others]_{778-the wizard who was feared above all others} , [the wizard who had committed a thousand terrible crimes before [his]_{778-the wizard who was feared above all others} mysterious disappearance fifteen years earlier]_{779-the wizard who had committed a thousand terrible crimes before his mysterious disappearance fifteen years earlier} . " Yes , alive , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge . " That is -- [I]_139-fudge do n't know -- is [a man]_{4389-a man} alive if [he]_{4389-a man} ca n't be killed ? [I]_139-fudge do n't really understand it , and [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} wo n't explain properly -- but anyway , [he]_139-fudge 's certainly got a body and is walking and talking and killing , so [I]_139-fudge suppose , for the purposes of [our]_781-we discussion , yes , [he]_139-fudge 's alive . "_[139-fudge] [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} did not know what to say to this , but a persistent habit of wishing to appear well - informed on any subject that came up made [him]_{651-the prime minister} cast around for any details [he]_{651-the prime minister} could remember of [their]_781-we previous conversations . " Is [Serious Black]_{4390-serious black} with -- er -- [He]_{4390-serious black} - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named ? "_[139-fudge] " [Black]_144-sirius ? [Black]_144-sirius ? "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge distractedly , turning [his]_139-fudge bowler rapidly in [his]_139-fudge fingers . " [Sirius Black]_144-sirius , [you]_139-fudge mean ? [Merlin]_147-merlin 's beard , no . [Black]_144-sirius 's dead . Turns out [we]_781-we were -- er -- mistaken about [Black]_144-sirius . [He]_144-sirius was innocent after all . And [he]_144-sirius was n't in league with [[He]_{4390-serious black} - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named]_{4374-he - who - must - not - be - named} either . [I]_139-fudge mean , "_[139-fudge] [he]_139-fudge added defensively , spinning the bowler hat still faster , " all the evidence pointed -- [we]_781-we had [more than fifty eyewitnesses]_{4392-more than fifty eyewitnesses} -- but anyway , as [I]_139-fudge say , [he]_144-sirius 's dead . Murdered , as a matter of fact . On [Ministry of Magic premises]_{4393-ministry of magic premises} . There 's going to be an inquiry , actually ... "_[139-fudge] To [his]_139-fudge great surprise , [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} felt a fleeting stab of pity for [Fudge]_139-fudge at this point . It was , however , eclipsed almost immediately by a glow of smugness at the thought that , deficient though [he]_139-fudge [himself]_139-fudge might be in the area of materializing out of fireplaces , there had never been a murder in [any of [the government departments]_{784-the government departments} under [his]_139-fudge charge]_{783-any of the government departments under his charge} ... Not yet , anyway ... While [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} surreptitiously touched the wood of [his]_{651-the prime minister} desk , [Fudge]_139-fudge continued , " But Blacks by - the - by now . The point is , [we]_781-we 're at war , [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} , and steps must be taken . "_[139-fudge] " At war ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} repeated [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} nervously . " Surely that 's a little bit of an overstatement ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} " [He]_144-sirius - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named has now been joined by those of [[his]_144-sirius followers who broke out of [Azkaban]_3-azkaban]_{4395-his followers who broke out of azkaban} in January , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge , speaking more and more rapidly and twirling [his]_139-fudge bowler so fast that it was a lime - green blur . " Since [they]_{4395-his followers who broke out of azkaban} have moved into the open , [they]_{4395-his followers who broke out of azkaban} have been wreaking havoc . The [Brockdale Bridge]_{6-brockdale bridge} -- [he]_144-sirius did it , [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} , [he]_144-sirius threatened a mass Muggle killing unless [I]_139-fudge stood aside for [him]_144-sirius and-- "_[139-fudge] " Good grief , so it 's [your]_{4348-prime minister} fault [those people]_{4397-those people} were killed and [I]_{651-the prime minister} 'm having to answer questions about rusted rigging and corroded expansion joints and [I]_{651-the prime minister} do n't know what else ! "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} furiously . " [My]_139-fudge fault ! "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge , coloring up . " Are [you]_139-fudge saying [you]_139-fudge would have caved in to blackmail like that ? "_[139-fudge] " Maybe not , "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} , standing up and striding about [the room]_{685-the room} , " but [I]_{651-the prime minister} would have put all [my]_{651-the prime minister} efforts into catching [the blackmailer]_{4398-the blackmailer} before [he]_144-sirius committed any such atrocity ! "_{[651-the prime minister]} " Do [you]_139-fudge really think [I]_139-fudge was n't already making every effort ? "_[139-fudge] demanded [Fudge]_139-fudge heatedly . " [Every Auror in [the Ministry]_{4400-the ministry}]_{4399-every auror in the ministry} was -- and is -- trying to find [him]_144-sirius and round up [[his]_144-sirius followers]_{4401-his followers} , but [we]_4402-we happen to be talking about one of [the most powerful wizards of all time]_{4403-the most powerful wizards of all time} , [a wizard who has eluded capture for almost three decades]_{4404-a wizard who has eluded capture for almost three decades} ! "_[139-fudge] " So [I]_{651-the prime minister} suppose [you]_139-fudge 're going to tell [me]_{651-the prime minister} [he]_144-sirius caused the hurricane in [the West Country]_{674-the west country} too ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} , [his]_{651-the prime minister} temper rising with every pace [he]_{651-the prime minister} took . It was infuriating to discover the reason for all these terrible disasters and not to be able to tell [the public]_{791-the public} , almost worse than it being [the government]_{662-the government} 's fault after all . " That was no hurricane , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge miserably . " Excuse [me]_139-fudge ! "_[139-fudge] barked [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} , now positively stamping up and down . " Trees uprooted , roofs ripped off , lampposts bent , horrible injuries-- "_[139-fudge] " It was the Death Eaters , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge . " [[He]_144-sirius - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named 's followers]_{4406-he - who - must - not - be - named 's followers} . And ... and [we]_4407-we suspect giant involvement . "_[139-fudge] [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} stopped in [his]_{651-the prime minister} tracks as though [he]_{651-the prime minister} had hit an invisible wall . " What involvement ? "_[139-fudge] [Fudge]_139-fudge grimaced . " [He]_144-sirius used giants last time , when [he]_144-sirius wanted to go for the grand effect , "_[139-fudge] [he]_139-fudge said . " [The Office of Misinformation]_{4408-the office of misinformation} has been working around the clock , [we]_4407-we 've had [teams of Obliviators]_{4409-teams of obliviators} out trying to modify the memories of all [the Muggles who saw what really happened]_{4410-the muggles who saw what really happened} , [we]_4407-we 've got most of [the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]_{4380-the department for the regulation and control of magical creatures} running around [Somerset]_7-somerset , but [we]_4407-we ca n't find the giant -- it 's been a disaster . "_[139-fudge] " [You]_{651-the prime minister} do n't say ! "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} furiously . " [I]_139-fudge wo n't deny that morale is pretty low at [the Ministry]_{4400-the ministry} , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge . " What with all that , and then losing [Amelia Bones]_{141-amelia bones} . "_[139-fudge] " Losing who ? "_[139-fudge] " [Amelia Bones]_{141-amelia bones} . [Head of [the Department of Magical Law Enforcement]_{4414-the department of magical law enforcement}]_{4413-head of the department of magical law enforcement} . [We]_4407-we think [[He]_4415-he - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named]_{4374-he - who - must - not - be - named} may have murdered [her]_{141-amelia bones} in person , because [she]_{141-amelia bones} was [a very gifted witch]_{4417-a very gifted witch} and -- and all the evidence was that [she]_{141-amelia bones} put up a real fight . "_[139-fudge] [Fudge]_139-fudge cleared [his]_139-fudge throat and , with an effort , it seemed , stopped spinning [his]_139-fudge bowler hat . " But that murder was in the newspapers , "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} , momentarily diverted from [his]_{651-the prime minister} anger . " [Our]_4407-we newspapers . [Amelia Bones]_{141-amelia bones} ... it just said [she]_{141-amelia bones} was [a middle - aged woman who lived alone]_{4418-a middle - aged woman who lived alone} . It was a -- a nasty killing , was n't it ? It 's had rather a lot of publicity . [The police]_{4419-the police} are baffled , [you]_4420-you see . "_[139-fudge] [Fudge]_139-fudge sighed . " Well , of course [they]_{4419-the police} are , "_[139-fudge] [he]_139-fudge said . " Killed in [a room that was locked from the inside]_{4421-a room that was locked from the inside} , was n't [she]_{141-amelia bones} ? [We]_4407-we , on the other hand , know exactly who did it , not that that gets [us]_4407-we any further toward catching [him]_{651-the prime minister} . And then there was [Emmeline Vance]_{142-emmeline vance} , maybe [you]_4420-you did n't hear about that one-- "_[139-fudge] " Oh yes [I]_{651-the prime minister} did ! "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} . " It happened just around the corner from here , as a matter of fact . The papers had a field day with it , ' breakdown of law and order in [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} 's backyard-- ' "_{[651-the prime minister]} " And as if all that was n't enough , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge , barely listening to [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} , " [we]_4407-we 've got [dementors]_{4423-dementors} swarming all over [the place]_{4424-the place} , attacking [people left , right]_{4425-people left , right} , and center ... "_[139-fudge] Once upon a happier time this sentence would have been unintelligible to [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} , but [he]_{651-the prime minister} was wiser now . " [I]_139-fudge thought [dementors]_{4423-dementors} guard [the prisoners in [Azkaban]_3-azkaban]_{4427-the prisoners in azkaban} , "_[139-fudge] [he]_139-fudge said cautiously . " [They]_{4423-dementors} did , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge wearily . " But not anymore . [They]_{4423-dementors} 've deserted [the prison]_{4428-the prison} and joined [[He]_4429-he - Who - [Must - Not - Be - Named]_{4431-must - not - be - named}]_{4374-he - who - must - not - be - named} . [I]_139-fudge wo n't pretend that was n't a blow . "_[139-fudge] " But , "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} , with a sense of dawning horror , " did n't [you]_139-fudge tell [me]_{651-the prime minister} [they]_{4423-dementors} 're the creatures that drain hope and happiness out of [people]_681-people ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} " That 's right . And [they]_{4423-dementors} 're breeding . That 's what 's causing all this mist . "_{[651-the prime minister]} [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} sank , weak - kneed , into the nearest chair . The idea of invisible creatures swooping through [the towns]_{802-the towns} and countryside , spreading despair and hopelessness in [[his]_{651-the prime minister} voters]_{803-his voters} , made [him]_{651-the prime minister} feel quite faint . " Now see here , [Fudge]_139-fudge -- [you've]_139-fudge got to do something ! It 's [your]_139-fudge responsibility as [Minister of Magic]_{4433-minister of magic} ! "_{[651-the prime minister]} " [[My]_139-fudge dear]_{4367-my dear} [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} , [you]_{4348-prime minister} ca n't honestly think [I]_139-fudge 'm still [Minister of Magic]_{4433-minister of magic} after all this ? [I]_139-fudge was sacked three days ago ! [The whole Wizarding community]_{717-the whole wizarding community} has been screaming for [my]_139-fudge resignation for a fortnight . [I]_139-fudge 've never known [them]_{717-the whole wizarding community} so united in [my]_139-fudge whole term of office ! "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge , with a brave attempt at a smile . [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} was momentarily lost for words . Despite [his]_{651-the prime minister} indignation at the position into which [he]_{651-the prime minister} had been placed , [he]_{651-the prime minister} still rather felt for [the shrunken - looking man sitting opposite [him]_{651-the prime minister}]_{805-the shrunken - looking man sitting opposite him} . " [I]_{651-the prime minister} 'm very sorry , "_{[651-the prime minister]} [he]_{651-the prime minister} said finally . " If there 's anything [I]_{651-the prime minister} can do ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} " It 's very kind of [you]_{4348-prime minister} , [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} , but there is nothing . [I]_139-fudge was sent [here]_4439-here tonight to bring [you]_{4348-prime minister} up to date on recent events and to introduce [you]_{4348-prime minister} to [[my]_139-fudge successor]_{4440-my successor} . [I]_139-fudge rather thought [he]_{4440-my successor} 'd be [here]_4439-here by now , but of course , [he]_{4440-my successor} 's very busy at the moment , with so much going on . "_[139-fudge] [Fudge]_139-fudge looked around at the portrait of [the ugly little man wearing the long curly silver wig , who was digging in [his]_{806-the ugly little man wearing the long curly silver wig , who was digging in his ear with the point of a quill} ear with the point of a quill]_{806-the ugly little man wearing the long curly silver wig , who was digging in his ear with the point of a quill} . Catching [Fudge]_139-fudge 's eye , the portrait said , " [He]_{4440-my successor} 'll be here in a moment , [he]_{4440-my successor} 's just finishing a letter to [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} . "_{[651-the prime minister]} " [I]_139-fudge wish [him]_{4440-my successor} luck , "_[139-fudge] said [Fudge]_139-fudge , sounding bitter for the first time . " [I]_139-fudge 've been writing to [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} twice a day for the past fortnight , but [he]_{146-dumbledore} wo n't budge . If [he]_{146-dumbledore} 'd just been prepared to persuade [the boy]_{4442-the boy} , [I]_139-fudge might still be ... Well , maybe [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} will have more success . "_[139-fudge] [Fudge]_139-fudge subsided into what was clearly an aggrieved silence , but it was broken almost immediately by the portrait , which suddenly spoke in its crisp , official voice . " To [the Prime Minister of Muggles]_143-muggles . Requesting a meeting . Urgent . Kindly respond immediately . [Rufus Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} , [Minister of Magic]_{4433-minister of magic} . "_{[651-the prime minister]} " Yes , yes , fine , "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} distractedly , and [he]_{651-the prime minister} barely flinched as the flames in the grate turned emerald green again , rose up , and revealed [a second spinning wizard]_{808-a second spinning wizard} in [their]_809-their heart , disgorging [him]_{808-a second spinning wizard} moments later onto the antique rug . [Fudge]_139-fudge got to [his]_139-fudge feet and , after a moment 's hesitation , [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} did the same , watching [the new arrival]_{811-the new arrival} straighten up , dust down [his]_139-fudge long black robes , and look around . [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} 's first , foolish thought was that [Rufus Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} looked rather like an old lion . There were streaks of gray in [his]_{148-scrimgeour} mane of tawny hair and [his]_{148-scrimgeour} bushy eyebrows ; [he]_{148-scrimgeour} had keen yellowish eyes behind a pair of wire - rimmed spectacles and a certain rangy , loping grace even though [he]_{148-scrimgeour} walked with a slight limp . There was an immediate impression of shrewdness and toughness ; [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} thought [he]_{651-the prime minister} understood why [the Wizarding community]_{814-the wizarding community} preferred [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} to [Fudge]_139-fudge as a leader in these dangerous times . " How do [you]_{148-scrimgeour} do ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} politely , holding out [his]_{651-the prime minister} hand . [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} grasped it briefly , [his]_{148-scrimgeour} eyes scanning [the room]_{685-the room} , then pulled out a wand from under [his]_{148-scrimgeour} robes . " [Fudge]_139-fudge told [you]_{651-the prime minister} everything ? "_{[148-scrimgeour]} [he]_{148-scrimgeour} asked , striding over to the door and tapping the keyhole with [his]_{148-scrimgeour} wand . [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} heard the lock click . " Er -- yes , "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} . " And if [you]_{148-scrimgeour} do n't mind , [I]_{651-the prime minister} 'd rather that door remained unlocked . "_{[651-the prime minister]} " [I]_{148-scrimgeour} 'd rather not be interrupted , "_{[148-scrimgeour]} said [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} shortly , " or watched , "_{[148-scrimgeour]} [he]_{148-scrimgeour} added , pointing [his]_{148-scrimgeour} wand at the windows , so that the curtains swept across them . " Right , well , [I]_{148-scrimgeour} 'm [a busy man]_{4444-a busy man} , so let 's get down lo business . First of all , [we]_4445-we need to discuss [your]_{148-scrimgeour} security . "_{[148-scrimgeour]} [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} drew [himself]_{651-the prime minister} up to [his]_{651-the prime minister} fullest height and replied , " [I]_{651-the prime minister} am perfectly happy with the security [I]_{651-the prime minister} 've already got , thank [you]_{148-scrimgeour} very-- "_{[651-the prime minister]} " Well , [we]_4445-we 're not , "_{[148-scrimgeour]} [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} cut in . " It 'll be a poor lookout for [the Muggles]_143-muggles if [[their]_143-muggles [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister}]_{4446-their prime minister} gets put under the Imperius Curse . [The new secretary in [[your]_{148-scrimgeour} outer office--]_{4449-your outer office--}]_{4448-the new secretary in your outer office--} "_{[148-scrimgeour]} " [I]_{651-the prime minister} 'm not getting rid of [Kingsley Shacklebolt]_{149-kingsley shacklebolt} , if that 's what [you]_{148-scrimgeour} 're suggesting ! "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} hotly . " [He]_{4348-prime minister} 's highly efficient , gets through twice the work the rest of them-- "_{[651-the prime minister]} " That 's because [he]_{4348-prime minister} 's [a wizard]_{4450-a wizard} , "_{[148-scrimgeour]} said [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} , without a flicker of a smile . " [A highly trained Auror , who has been assigned to [you]_{148-scrimgeour} for [your]_{148-scrimgeour} protection]_{4451-a highly trained auror , who has been assigned to you for your protection} . "_{[148-scrimgeour]} " Now , wait a moment ! "_{[651-the prime minister]} declared [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} . " [You]_{148-scrimgeour} ca n't just put [[your]_{148-scrimgeour} people]_{4353-your people} into [[my]_{651-the prime minister} office]_{4453-my office} , [I]_{651-the prime minister} decide who works for [me--]_{651-the prime minister} "_{[651-the prime minister]} " [I]_{148-scrimgeour} thought [you]_{148-scrimgeour} were happy with [Shacklebolt]_{149-kingsley shacklebolt} ? "_{[148-scrimgeour]} said [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} coldly . " [I]_{148-scrimgeour} am -- that 's to say , [I]_{148-scrimgeour} was-- "_{[148-scrimgeour]} " Then there 's no problem , is there ? "_{[148-scrimgeour]} said [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} . " [I]_{651-the prime minister} ... well , as long as [Shacklebolt]_{149-kingsley shacklebolt} 's work continues to be ... er ... excellent , "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} lamely , but [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} barely seemed to hear [him]_{651-the prime minister} . " Now , about [Herbert Chorley]_{137-herbert chorley} , [[your]_{651-the prime minister} Junior Minister]_{4454-your junior minister} , "_{[651-the prime minister]} [he]_{651-the prime minister} continued . " The one who has been entertaining [the public]_{791-the public} by impersonating a duck . "_{[651-the prime minister]} " What about [him]_{137-herbert chorley} ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} asked [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} . " [He]_{137-herbert chorley} has clearly reacted to a poorly performed Imperius Curse , "_{[148-scrimgeour]} said [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} . " It 's addled [his]_{137-herbert chorley} brains , but [he]_{137-herbert chorley} could still be dangerous . "_{[148-scrimgeour]} " [He]_{137-herbert chorley} 's only quacking ! "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} weakly . " Surely a bit of a rest ... Maybe go easy on the drink ... "_{[651-the prime minister]} " [A team of Healers]_{4456-a team of healers} from [[St.]_8-st. [Mungo]_{150-st. mungo} 's Hospital for [Magical Maladies and Injuries]_{4458-magical maladies and injuries}]_{4457-st. mungo 's hospital for magical maladies and injuries} are examining [him]_{137-herbert chorley} as [we]_{4456-a team of healers} speak . So far [he]_{137-herbert chorley} has attempted to strangle three of [them]_{4456-a team of healers} , "_{[148-scrimgeour]} said [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} . " [I]_{148-scrimgeour} think it best that [we]_{4456-a team of healers} remove [him]_{137-herbert chorley} from [Muggle society]_{4459-muggle society} for a while . "_{[148-scrimgeour]} " [I]_{651-the prime minister} ... well ... [He]_{137-herbert chorley} 'll be all right , wo n't [he]_{137-herbert chorley} ? "_{[651-the prime minister]} said [the Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} anxiously . [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} merely shrugged , already moving back toward the fireplace . " Well , that 's really all [I]_{148-scrimgeour} had to say . [I]_{148-scrimgeour} will keep [you]_{651-the prime minister} posted of developments , [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} -- or , at least , [I]_{148-scrimgeour} shall probably be too busy to come personally , in which case [I]_{148-scrimgeour} shall send [Fudge]_139-fudge here . [He]_139-fudge has consented to stay on in an advisory capacity . "_{[148-scrimgeour]} [Fudge]_139-fudge attempted to smile , but was unsuccessful ; [he]_139-fudge merely looked as though [he]_139-fudge had a toothache . [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} was already rummaging in [his]_{148-scrimgeour} pocket for the mysterious powder that turned the fire green . [The Prime Minister]_{651-the prime minister} gazed hopelessly at [the pair of [them]_{827-the pair of them}]_{827-the pair of them} for a moment , then the words [he]_{651-the prime minister} had fought to suppress all evening burst from [him]_{651-the prime minister} at last . " But for heaven 's sake -- [you're wizards]_{4461-you're wizards} ! [You]_{4461-you're wizards} can do magic ! Surely [you]_{4461-you're wizards} can sort out -- well -- anything ! "_{[651-the prime minister]} [Scrimgeour]_{148-scrimgeour} turned slowly on the spot and exchanged an incredulous look with [Fudge]_139-fudge , who really did manage a smile this time as [he]_139-fudge said kindly , " The trouble is , [the other side]_{4462-the other side} can do magic too , [Prime Minister]_{4348-prime minister} . "_[139-fudge] And with that , [the two wizards]_{828-the two wizards} stepped one after the other into the bright green fire and vanished .

Chapter 2 : [Spinner 's End]_{829-spinner 's end}

Many miles away the chilly mist that had pressed against [the Prime Minister]_143-muggles 's windows drifted over [a dirty river]_{830-a dirty river} that wound between [overgrown , rubbish - strewn banks]_{831-overgrown , rubbish - strewn banks} . An immense chimney , relic of [a disused mill]_{832-a disused mill} , reared up , shadowy and ominous . There was no sound apart from the whisper of the black water and no sign of life apart from a scrawny fox that had slunk down [the bank]_{833-the bank} to nose hopefully at some old fish - and - chip wrappings in the tall grass . But then , with a very faint pop , a slim , hooded figure appeared out of thin air on [the edge of [the river]_{670-the river}]_{834-the edge of the river} . The fox froze , wary eyes fixed upon this strange new phenomenon . [The figure]_{836-the figure} seemed to take its bearings for a few moments , then set off with light , quick strides , its long cloak rustling over the grass . With a second and louder pop , [another hooded figure]_{837-another hooded figure} materialized . " Wait ! "_{[837-another hooded figure]} The harsh cry startled the fox , now crouching almost flat in the undergrowth . It leapt from its hiding place and up [the bank]_{833-the bank} . There was a flash of green light , a yelp , and the fox fell back to the ground , dead . [The second figure]_{839-the second figure} turned over the animal with its toe . " Just a fox , "_{[840-a woman]} said [a woman]_{840-a woman} 's voice dismissively from under the hood . " [I]_{840-a woman} thought perhaps [an Auror]_{4464-an auror} -- [Cissy]_151-cissy , wait ! "_{[840-a woman]} But [her]_{840-a woman} [quarry , who had paused and looked back at the flash of light]_{841-quarry , who had paused and looked back at the flash of light} , was already scrambling up the bank the fox had just fallen down . " [Cissy]_151-cissy -- [Narcissa]_152-narcissa -- listen to [me--]_152-narcissa "_{[842-the second woman]} [The second woman]_{842-the second woman} caught [the first]_{843-the first} and seized [her]_{842-the second woman} arm , but [the other]_{844-the other} wrenched it away . " Go back , [Bella]_153-katie ! "_{[844-the other]} " [You]_153-katie must listen to [me]_{844-the other} ! "_{[844-the other]} " [I]_{845-the woman named narcissa} 've listened already . [I]_{845-the woman named narcissa} 've made [my]_{845-the woman named narcissa} decision . Leave [me]_{845-the woman named narcissa} alone ! "_{[845-the woman named narcissa]} [The woman named [Narcissa]_152-narcissa]_{845-the woman named narcissa} gained the top of [the bank]_{833-the bank} , where a line of old railings separated [the river]_{670-the river} from [a narrow , cobbled street]_{848-a narrow , cobbled street} . [The other woman]_{849-the other woman} , [Bella]_153-katie , followed at once . Side by side [they]_850-they stood looking across [the road]_{851-the road} at [the rows and rows of [dilapidated brick houses]_{853-dilapidated brick houses}]_{852-the rows and rows of dilapidated brick houses} , [their]_{852-the rows and rows of dilapidated brick houses} windows dull and blind in the darkness . " [He]_4465-he lives [here]_4439-here ? "_[153-katie] asked [Bella]_153-katie in a voice of contempt . " Here ? In [this Muggle dunghill]_{4467-this muggle dunghill} ? [We]_850-they must be the first of [our]_850-they kind ever to set foot-- "_[153-katie] But [Narcissa]_152-narcissa was not listening ; [she]_152-narcissa had slipped through a gap in the rusty railings and was already hurrying across [the road]_{851-the road} . " [Cissy]_151-cissy , wait ! "_{[152-narcissa]} [Bella]_153-katie followed , [her]_153-katie cloak streaming behind , and saw [Narcissa]_152-narcissa darting through [an alley]_{855-an alley} between [the houses]_{856-the houses} into [a second , almost identical street]_{857-a second , almost identical street} . [Some of the streetlamps]_{858-some of the streetlamps} were broken ; [the two women]_{859-the two women} were running between patches of light and deep darkness . [The pursuer]_{860-the pursuer} caught up with [her]_{860-the pursuer} prey just as [she]_{860-the pursuer} turned another corner , this time succeeding in catching hold of [her]_{860-the pursuer} arm and swinging [her]_{860-the pursuer} around so that [they]_{859-the two women} faced [each other]_{4377-each other} . " [Cissy]_151-cissy , [you]_151-cissy must not do this , [you]_151-cissy ca n't trust [him--]_4468-him-- "_{[860-the pursuer]} " [The Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} trusts [him]_{4469-the dark lord} , does n't [he]_{4469-the dark lord} ? "_[153-katie] " [The Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} is ... [I]_153-katie believe ... mistaken , "_[153-katie] [Bella]_153-katie panted , and [her]_153-katie eyes gleamed momentarily under [her]_153-katie hood as [she]_153-katie looked around to check that [they]_{859-the two women} were indeed alone . " In any case , [we]_{859-the two women} were told not to speak of the plan to [anyone]_660-anyone . This is a betrayal of [the Dark Lord's--]_{155-the dark lord's--} "_[153-katie] " Let go , [Bella]_153-katie ! "_{[152-narcissa]} snarled [Narcissa]_152-narcissa , and [she]_152-narcissa drew a wand from beneath [her]_152-narcissa cloak , holding it threateningly in the other 's face . [Bella]_153-katie merely laughed . " [Cissy]_151-cissy , [[your]_151-cissy own sister]_{4471-your own sister} ? [You]_151-cissy wouldn't-- "_[153-katie] " There is nothing [I]_152-narcissa would n't do anymore ! "_{[152-narcissa]} [Narcissa]_152-narcissa breathed , a note of hysteria in [her]_152-narcissa voice , and as [she]_152-narcissa brought down the wand like a knife , there was another flash of light . [Bella]_153-katie let go of [[her]_153-katie sister]_{862-her sister} 's arm as though burned . " [Narcissa]_152-narcissa ! "_[153-katie] But [Narcissa]_152-narcissa had rushed ahead . Rubbing [her]_152-narcissa hand , [[her]_152-narcissa pursuer]_{863-her pursuer} followed again , keeping [her]_152-narcissa distance now , as [they]_864-they moved deeper into [the deserted labyrinth of [brick houses]_{866-brick houses}]_{865-the deserted labyrinth of brick houses} . At last , [Narcissa]_152-narcissa hurried up [a street]_{867-a street} named [Spinner 's End]_{9-spinner 's end} , over which [the towering mill chimney]_{868-the towering mill chimney} seemed to hover like a giant admonitory finger . [Her]_152-narcissa footsteps echoed on the cobbles as [she]_152-narcissa passed boarded and broken windows , until [she]_152-narcissa reached [the very last house]_{869-the very last house} , where a dim light glimmered through the curtains in [a downstairs room]_{870-a downstairs room} . [She]_152-narcissa had knocked on the door before [Bella]_153-katie , cursing under [her]_153-katie breath , had caught up . Together [they]_864-they stood waiting , panting slightly , breathing in the smell of the dirty river that was carried to [them]_864-they on the night breeze . After a few seconds , [they]_864-they heard movement behind the door and it opened a crack . A sliver of [a man]_{4389-a man} could be seen looking out at [them]_864-they , [a man with long black hair parted in curtains around a sallow face and black eyes]_{872-a man with long black hair parted in curtains around a sallow face and black eyes} . [Narcissa]_152-narcissa threw back [her]_152-narcissa hood . [She]_152-narcissa was so pale that [she]_152-narcissa seemed to shine in the darkness ; the long blonde hair streaming down [her]_152-narcissa back gave [her]_152-narcissa the look of [a drowned person]_{873-a drowned person} . " [Narcissa]_152-narcissa ! "_{[874-the man]} said [the man]_{874-the man} , opening the door a little wider , so that the light fell upon [her]_152-narcissa and [[her]_152-narcissa sister]_{862-her sister} too . " What a pleasant surprise ! "_{[874-the man]} [Severus]_156-snape , " [she]_152-narcissa said in a strained whisper . "_[156-snape] May [I]_0-i speak to [you]_156-snape ? It 's urgent . " "_[0-i] But of course . " [He]_156-snape stood back to allow [her]_152-narcissa to pass [him]_156-snape into [the house]_{4472-the house} . [[Her]_152-narcissa still - hooded sister]_{4473-her still - hooded sister} followed without invitation . "_[156-snape] [Snape]_156-snape , " [she]_152-narcissa said curtly as [she]_152-narcissa passed [him]_156-snape . "_[156-snape] [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} , " [he]_156-snape replied , [his]_156-snape thin mouth curling into a slightly mocking smile as [he]_156-snape closed the door with a snap behind [them]_4474-them . [They]_4474-them had stepped directly into [a tiny sitting room]_{4475-a tiny sitting room} , which had the feeling of [a dark , padded cell]_{4476-a dark , padded cell} . The walls were completely covered in books , most of them bound in old black or brown leather ; a threadbare sofa , an old armchair , and a rickety table stood grouped together in a pool of dim light cast by a candle - filled lamp hung from the ceiling . [The place]_{4424-the place} had an air of neglect , as though [it]_{4424-the place} was not usually inhabited . [Snape]_156-snape gestured [Narcissa]_152-narcissa to the sofa . [She]_152-narcissa threw off [her]_152-narcissa cloak , cast it aside , and sat down , staring at [her]_152-narcissa white and trembling hands clasped in [her]_152-narcissa lap . [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} lowered [her]_{157-bellatrix} hood more slowly . Dark as [[her]_{157-bellatrix} sister]_{862-her sister} was fair , with heavily lidded eyes and a strong jaw , [she]_{157-bellatrix} did not take [her]_{157-bellatrix} gaze from [Snape]_156-snape as [she]_{157-bellatrix} moved to stand behind [Narcissa]_152-narcissa . "_{[157-bellatrix]} So , what can [I]_0-i do for [you]_876-you ? " [Snape]_156-snape asked , settling [himself]_0-i in the armchair opposite [the two sisters]_{4479-the two sisters} . "_[0-i] [We]_877-we ... [we]_877-we are alone , are n't [we]_877-we ? " [Narcissa]_152-narcissa asked quietly . ' Yes , of course . Well , [Wormtail]_158-wormtail 's here , but [we]_877-we 're not counting vermin , are [we]_877-we ? "_[0-i] [He]_0-i pointed [his]_0-i wand at the wall of books behind [him]_0-i and with a bang , a hidden door flew open , revealing a narrow staircase upon which [a small man]_{878-a small man} stood frozen . " As [you]_158-wormtail have clearly realized , [Wormtail]_158-wormtail , [we]_877-we have [guests]_4480-guests , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape lazily . [The man]_{874-the man} crept , hunchbacked , down the last few steps and moved into [the room]_{685-the room} . [He]_{874-the man} had small , watery eyes , a pointed nose , and wore an unpleasant simper . [His]_{874-the man} left hand was caressing [his]_{874-the man} right , which looked as though it was encased in a bright silver glove . " [Narcissa]_152-narcissa ! "_{[874-the man]} [he]_{874-the man} said , in a squeaky voice . " And [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} ! How charming-- "_{[874-the man]} " [Wormtail]_158-wormtail will get [us]_877-we drinks , if [you]_158-wormtail 'd like them , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape . " And then [he]_158-wormtail will return to [[his]_158-wormtail bedroom]_{4481-his bedroom} . "_[156-snape] [Wormtail]_158-wormtail winced as though [Snape]_156-snape had thrown something at [him]_158-wormtail . " [I]_158-wormtail am not [[your]_156-snape servant]_{4482-your servant} ! "_{[158-wormtail]} [he]_158-wormtail squeaked , avoiding [Snape]_156-snape 's eye . " Really ? [I]_158-wormtail was under the impression that [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} placed [you]_158-wormtail here to assist [me]_158-wormtail . "_{[158-wormtail]} " To assist , yes -- but not to make [you]_158-wormtail drinks and -- and clean [[your]_158-wormtail house]_{4483-your house} ! "_[156-snape] " [I]_156-snape had no idea , [Wormtail]_158-wormtail , that [you]_158-wormtail were craving more dangerous assignments , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape silkily . " This can be easily arranged : [I]_156-snape shall speak to [the Dark Lord--]_{4484-the dark lord--} "_[156-snape] " [I]_156-snape can speak to [him]_{4484-the dark lord--} [myself]_156-snape if [I]_156-snape want to ! "_[156-snape] " Of course [you]_156-snape can , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape , sneering . " But in the meantime , bring [us]_881-us drinks . Some of the elf - made wine will do . "_[156-snape] [Wormtail]_158-wormtail hesitated for a moment , looking as though [he]_158-wormtail might argue , but then turned and headed through a second hidden door . [They]_881-us heard banging and a clinking of glasses . Within seconds [he]_158-wormtail was back , bearing a dusty bottle and three glasses upon a tray . [He]_158-wormtail dropped these on the rickety table and scurried from [their]_881-us presence , slamming the book - covered door behind [him]_158-wormtail . [Snape]_156-snape poured out three glasses of bloodred wine and handed two of them to [the sisters]_{882-the sisters} . [Narcissa]_152-narcissa murmured a word of thanks , whilst [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} said nothing , but continued to glower at [Snape]_156-snape . This did not seem to discompose [him]_158-wormtail ; on the contrary , [he]_158-wormtail looked rather amused . " [The Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} , "_{[158-wormtail]} [he]_158-wormtail said , raising [his]_158-wormtail glass and draining it . [The sisters]_{882-the sisters} copied [him]_158-wormtail . [Snape]_156-snape refilled [their]_{882-the sisters} glasses . As [Narcissa]_152-narcissa took [her]_152-narcissa second drink [she]_152-narcissa said in a rush , " [Severus]_156-snape , [I]_152-narcissa 'm sorry to come here like this , but [I]_152-narcissa had to see [you]_156-snape . [I]_152-narcissa think [you]_156-snape are the only one who can help [me--]_152-narcissa "_{[152-narcissa]} [Snape]_156-snape held up a hand to stop [her]_152-narcissa , then pointed [his]_156-snape wand again at the concealed staircase door . There was a loud bang and a squeal , followed by the sound of Wormtail scurrying back up [the stairs]_{884-the stairs} . " [My]_156-snape apologies , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape . " [He]_156-snape has lately taken to listening at doors , [I]_156-snape do n't know what [he]_156-snape means by it ... [You]_156-snape were saying , [Narcissa]_152-narcissa ? "_[156-snape] [She]_152-narcissa took a great , shuddering breath and started again . " [Severus]_156-snape , [I]_152-narcissa know [I]_152-narcissa ought not to be [here]_4439-here , [I]_152-narcissa have been told to say nothing to [anyone]_660-anyone , but-- "_{[152-narcissa]} " Then [you]_152-narcissa ought to hold [your]_152-narcissa tongue ! "_{[157-bellatrix]} snarled [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} . " Particularly in present company ! "_{[157-bellatrix]} ' " Present company ' ? "_[156-snape] repeated [Snape]_156-snape sardonically . " And what urn [I]_156-snape to understand by that , [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} ? "_[156-snape] " That [I]_152-narcissa do n't trust [you]_156-snape , [Snape]_156-snape , as [you]_156-snape very well know ! "_{[152-narcissa]} [Narcissa]_152-narcissa let out a noise that might have been a dry sob and covered [her]_152-narcissa face with [her]_152-narcissa hands . [Snape]_156-snape set [his]_156-snape glass down upon the table and sat back again , [his]_156-snape hands upon the arms of [his]_156-snape chair , smiling into [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} 's glowering face . " [Narcissa]_152-narcissa , [I]_156-snape think [we]_4487-we ought to hear what [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} is bursting to say ; it will save tedious interruptions . Well , continue , [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape . " Why is it that [you]_{157-bellatrix} do not trust [me]_156-snape ? "_[156-snape] " A hundred reasons ! "_{[157-bellatrix]} [she]_{157-bellatrix} said loudly , striding out from behind the sofa to slam [her]_{157-bellatrix} glass upon the table . " Where to start ! Where were [you]_{157-bellatrix} when [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} fell ? Why did [you]_{157-bellatrix} never make any attempt to find [him]_{154-the dark lord} when [he]_{154-the dark lord} vanished ? What have [you]_{157-bellatrix} been doing all these years that [you]_{157-bellatrix} 've lived in [[Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} 's pocket]_{4488-dumbledore 's pocket} ? Why did [you]_{157-bellatrix} stop [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} procuring [the Sorcerer]_{159-the sorcerer} 's Stone ? Why did [you]_{157-bellatrix} not return at once when [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} was reborn ? Where were [you]_{157-bellatrix} a few weeks ago when [we]_4491-we battled to retrieve the prophecy for [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} ? And why , [Snape]_156-snape , is [Harry Potter]_136-harry still alive , when [you]_{157-bellatrix} have had [him]_136-harry at [your]_{157-bellatrix} mercy for five years ? "_[885-you] [She]_885-you paused , [her]_885-you chest rising and falling rapidly , the color high in [her]_885-you cheeks . Behind [her]_885-you , [Narcissa]_152-narcissa sat motionless , [her]_152-narcissa face still hidden in [her]_152-narcissa hands . [Snape]_156-snape smiled . " Before [I]_156-snape answer [you]_885-you — oh yes , [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} , [I]_156-snape am going to answer ! [You]_885-you can carry [my]_156-snape words back to [the others who whisper behind [my]_156-snape back]_{4493-the others who whisper behind my back} , and carry false tales of [my]_156-snape treachery to [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} ! Before [I]_156-snape answer [you]_885-you , [I]_156-snape say , let [me]_156-snape ask a question in turn . Do [you]_885-you really think that [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} has not asked [me]_156-snape each and every one of those questions ? And do [you]_885-you really think that , had [I]_156-snape not been able to give satisfactory answers , [I]_156-snape would be sitting here talking to [you]_885-you ? "_[156-snape] [She]_886-she hesitated . " [I]_156-snape know [he]_{4469-the dark lord} believes [you]_156-snape , but . . . "_[156-snape] " [You]_156-snape think [he]_{4469-the dark lord} is mistaken ? Or that [I]_{157-bellatrix} have somehow hoodwinked [him]_{4469-the dark lord} ? Fooled [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} , the greatest wizard , [the most accomplished [Legilimens]_{160-legilimens} [the world]_{714-the world} has ever seen]_{4496-the most accomplished legilimens the world has ever seen} ? "_{[157-bellatrix]} [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} said nothing , but looked , for the first time , a little discomfited . [Snape]_156-snape did not press the point . [He]_156-snape picked up [his]_156-snape drink again , sipped it , and continued , " [You]_{157-bellatrix} ask where [I]_156-snape was when [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} fell . [I]_156-snape was where [he]_{4469-the dark lord} had ordered [me]_156-snape to be , at [Hogwarts School]_{11-hogwarts school} of Witchcraft and Wizardry , because [he]_{4469-the dark lord} wished [me]_156-snape to spy upon [Albus Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} . [You]_{157-bellatrix} know , [I]_156-snape presume , that it was on [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} 's orders that [I]_156-snape took up the post ? "_[156-snape] [She]_{157-bellatrix} nodded almost imperceptibly and then opened [her]_{157-bellatrix} mouth , but [Snape]_156-snape forestalled [her]_{157-bellatrix} . " [You]_{157-bellatrix} ask why [I]_156-snape did not attempt to find [him]_{4469-the dark lord} when [he]_{4469-the dark lord} vanished . For the same reason that [Avery]_162-avery , [Yaxley]_12-yaxley , [the Carrows]_{163-the carrows} , [Greyback]_283-greyback , [Lucius]_164-lucius "_[156-snape] — [he]_156-snape inclined [his]_156-snape head slightly to [Narcissa]_152-narcissa — " and [many others]_{4499-many others} did not attempt to find [him]_{4469-the dark lord} . [I]_156-snape believed [him]_{4469-the dark lord} finished . [I]_156-snape am not proud of it , [I]_156-snape was wrong , but there it is . ... If [he]_{4469-the dark lord} had not forgiven [we]_4500-we [who lost faith at that time]_{4501-who lost faith at that time} , [he]_{4469-the dark lord} would have [very few followers]_{4502-very few followers} left . "_[156-snape] " [He]_{4469-the dark lord} 'd have [me]_{157-bellatrix} ! "_{[157-bellatrix]} said [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} passionately . " [I]_{157-bellatrix} , who spent many years in [Azkaban]_3-azkaban for [him]_{4469-the dark lord} ! "_{[157-bellatrix]} " Yes , indeed , most admirable , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape in a bored voice . " Of [i]_156-snape nurse , [you]_{157-bellatrix} were n't a lot of use to [him]_{4469-the dark lord} in [prison]_4503-prison , but the gesture was undoubtedly fine — "_[156-snape] " Gesture ! "_{[157-bellatrix]} [she]_{157-bellatrix} shrieked ; in [her]_{157-bellatrix} fury [she]_{157-bellatrix} looked slightly mad . " While [I]_{157-bellatrix} endured [the dementors]_{4371-the dementors} , [you]_156-snape remained at [Hogwarts]_14-hogwarts , comfortably playing [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} 's pet ! "_{[157-bellatrix]} " Not quite , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape calmly . " [He]_{4469-the dark lord} would n't give [me]_156-snape the Defense Against the Dark Arts job , [you]_{157-bellatrix} know . Seemed to think it might , ah , bring about a relapse , . . tempt [me]_156-snape into [my]_156-snape old ways . "_[156-snape] " This was [your]_156-snape sacrifice for [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} , not to teach [your]_156-snape favorite subject ? "_{[157-bellatrix]} [she]_{157-bellatrix} jeered . " Why did [you]_156-snape stay [there]_4506-there all that time , [Snape]_156-snape ? Still spying on [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} for [a master [you]_156-snape believed dead]_{4507-a master you believed dead} ? "_{[157-bellatrix]} " Hardly , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape , " although [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} is pleased that [I]_156-snape never deserted [[my]_156-snape post]_{4509-my post} : [I]_156-snape had sixteen years of information on [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} to give [him]_{146-dumbledore} when [he]_{146-dumbledore} returned , a rather more useful welcome - back present than endless reminiscences of how unpleasant [Azkaban]_3-azkaban is . . . . "_[156-snape] " But [you]_156-snape stayed — "_[156-snape] " Yes , [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} , [I]_156-snape stayed , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape , betraying a hint of impatience for the first time . " [I]_156-snape had a comfortable job that [I]_156-snape preferred to a stint in [Azkaban]_3-azkaban . [They]_4510-they were rounding up [the Death Eaters]_{4511-the death eaters} , [you]_{157-bellatrix} know . [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} 's protection kept [me]_156-snape out of [jail]_4512-jail ; it was most convenient and [I]_156-snape used it . [I]_156-snape repeat : [The Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} does not complain that [I]_156-snape stayed , so [I]_156-snape do not see why [you]_{157-bellatrix} do . "_[156-snape] [I]_0-i think [you]_887-you next wanted to know , " [he]_0-i pressed on a little more loudly , for [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} showed every sign of interrupting , "_[887-you] why [I]_0-i stood between [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} and [the Sorcerer]_{889-the sorcerer} 's Stone . That is easily answered . [He]_0-i did not know whether [he]_0-i could trust [me]_0-i . [He]_0-i thought , like [you]_887-you , that [I]_0-i had turned from [faithful Death Eater]_{890-faithful death eater} to [[Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} 's stooge]_{891-dumbledore 's stooge} . [He]_0-i was in a pitiable condition , very weak , sharing the body of [a mediocre wizard]_{892-a mediocre wizard} . [He]_0-i did not dare reveal [himself]_0-i to [a former ally]_{893-a former ally} if [that ally]_{894-that ally} might turn [him]_0-i over to [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} or [the Ministry]_{4400-the ministry} . [I]_0-i deeply regret that [he]_0-i did not trust [me]_0-i . [He]_0-i would have returned to power three years sooner . As it was , [I]_0-i saw only greedy and unworthy [Quirrell]_165-quirrell attempting to steal the stone and , [I]_0-i admit , [I]_0-i did all [I]_0-i could to thwart [him]_165-quirrell . " [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} 's mouth twisted as though [she]_{157-bellatrix} had taken an unpleasant dose of medicine . "_[0-i] But [you]_0-i did n't return when [he]_0-i came back , [you]_0-i did n't fly back to [him]_0-i at once when [you]_0-i felt the Dark Mark burn — " "_[0-i] Correct . [I]_0-i returned two hours later . [I]_0-i returned on [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} 's orders . " "_[0-i] On [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} 's — ? " [she]_{157-bellatrix} began , in tones of outrage . "_{[146-dumbledore]} Think ! " said [Snape]_156-snape , impatient again . "_{[146-dumbledore]} Think ! By waiting two hours , just two hours , [I]_0-i ensured that [I]_0-i could remain at [Hogwarts]_14-hogwarts as [a spy]_{896-a spy} ! By allowing [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} to think that [I]_0-i was only returning to [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} 's side because [I]_0-i was ordered to , [I]_0-i have been able to pass information on [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} and the Order of [the Phoenix]_{166-the phoenix} ever since ! [Consider]_167-consider , [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} : [The Dark Mark]_{168-the dark mark} had been growing stronger for months . [I]_0-i knew [he]_{146-dumbledore} must be about to return , [all the Death Eaters]_{897-all the death eaters} knew ! [I]_0-i had plenty of time to think about what [I]_0-i wanted to do , to plan [my]_0-i next move , to escape like [Karkaroff]_{169-karkaroff} , did n't [I]_0-i ? " [The Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} 's initial displeasure at [my]_{157-bellatrix} lateness vanished entirely , [1]_{157-bellatrix} assure [you]_4514-you , when [I]_{157-bellatrix} explained that [1]_4515-1 remained faithful , although [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} thought [I]_{157-bellatrix} was [[his]_{146-dumbledore} man]_{4516-his man} . Yes , [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} thought that [I]_{157-bellatrix} had left [him]_{146-dumbledore} forever , but [he]_{146-dumbledore} was wrong . "_{[157-bellatrix]} " But what use have [you]_156-snape been ? "_{[157-bellatrix]} sneered [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} . " What useful information have [we]_4518-we had from [you]_156-snape ? "_{[157-bellatrix]} " [My]_156-snape information has been conveyed directly to [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape . " If [he]_{154-the dark lord} chooses not to share it with [you]_{157-bellatrix} — "_[156-snape] " [He]_{154-the dark lord} shares everything with [me]_{157-bellatrix} ! "_{[157-bellatrix]} said [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} , firing up at once . " [He]_{154-the dark lord} calls [me]_{157-bellatrix} [his]_{154-the dark lord} most loyal , [[his]_{154-the dark lord} most faithful]_{4519-his most faithful} — "_{[157-bellatrix]} " Does [he]_{154-the dark lord} ? "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape , [his]_156-snape voice delicately inflected to suggest [his]_156-snape disbelief . " Does [he]_{154-the dark lord} still , after the fiasco at [the Ministry]_{4400-the ministry} ? "_[156-snape] " That was not [my]_{157-bellatrix} fault ! "_{[157-bellatrix]} said [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} , flushing . " [The Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} has , in the past , entrusted [me]_{157-bellatrix} with [his]_{154-the dark lord} most precious — if [Lucius]_164-lucius had n't — "_{[157-bellatrix]} " Do n't [you]_{157-bellatrix} dare — do n't [you]_{157-bellatrix} dare blame [[my]_152-narcissa husband]_{4521-my husband} ! "_{[152-narcissa]} said [Narcissa]_152-narcissa , in a low and deadly voice , looking up at [[her]_152-narcissa sister]_{862-her sister} . " There is no point apportioning blame , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape smoothly . " What is done , is done . "_[156-snape] " But not by [you]_156-snape ! "_{[157-bellatrix]} said [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} furiously . " No , [you]_156-snape were once again absent while [the rest of [us]_4523-us]_{4522-the rest of us} ran dangers , were [you]_156-snape not , [Snape]_156-snape ? "_{[157-bellatrix]} " [My]_156-snape orders were to remain behind , "_[156-snape] said [Snape]_156-snape . " Perhaps [you]_{157-bellatrix} disagree with [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} , perhaps [you]_{157-bellatrix} think that [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} would not have noticed if [I]_156-snape had joined forces with [the Death Eaters]_{4511-the death eaters} to fight [the Order of the Phoenix]_{4525-the order of the phoenix} ? And — forgive [me]_156-snape — [you]_{157-bellatrix} speak of dangers . . . [you]_{157-bellatrix} were facing [six teenagers]_{4526-six teenagers} , were [you]_{157-bellatrix} not ? "_[156-snape] " [They]_{4526-six teenagers} were joined , as [you]_{157-bellatrix} very well know , by half of [the Order]_{4527-the order} before long ! "_{[157-bellatrix]} snarled [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} . " And , while [we]_4528-we are on the subject of the Order , [you]_{157-bellatrix} still claim [you]_{157-bellatrix} can not reveal the whereabouts of [[their]_{4527-the order} headquarters]_{4529-their headquarters} , do n't [you]_{157-bellatrix} ? "_{[157-bellatrix]} " [I]_899-i am not [the Secret - Keeper]_{4530-the secret - keeper} ; [I]_899-i can not speak the name of [the place]_{4424-the place} . [You]_{157-bellatrix} understand how the enchantment works , [I]_899-i think ? [The Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} is satisfied with the information [I]_899-i have passed [him]_{154-the dark lord} on the Order . It led , as perhaps [you]_{157-bellatrix} have guessed , to the recent capture and murder of [Emmeline Vance]_{142-emmeline vance} , and it certainly helped dispose of [Sirius Black]_144-sirius , though [I]_899-i give [you]_{157-bellatrix} full credit for finishing [him]_144-sirius off . "_[899-i] [He]_899-i inclined [his]_899-i head and toasted [her]_900-you . [Her]_900-you expression did nor soften . " [You]_{157-bellatrix} are avoiding [my]_900-you last question , [Snape]_156-snape . [Harry Potter]_136-harry . [You]_{157-bellatrix} could have killed [him]_136-harry at any point in the past five years . [You]_{157-bellatrix} have not done it . Why ? "_[900-you] " Have [you]_{157-bellatrix} discussed this matter with [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} ? "_[156-snape] asked [Snape]_156-snape . " [He]_136-harry . . . lately , [we]_4533-we ... [I]_156-snape am asking [you]_156-snape , [Snape]_156-snape ! "_[156-snape] " If [I]_900-you had murdered [Harry Potter]_136-harry , [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} could not have used [his]_136-harry blood to regenerate , making [him]_136-harry invincible — "_[900-you] " [You]_900-you claim [you]_900-you foresaw [his]_136-harry use of [the boy]_{4442-the boy} ! "_[901-i] [she]_901-i jeered . " [I]_901-i do not claim it ; [I]_901-i had no idea of [his]_136-harry plans ; [I]_901-i have already confessed that [I]_901-i thought [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} dead . [I]_901-i am merely trying to explain why [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} is not sorry that [Potter]_136-harry survived , at least until a year ago . . . . "_[901-i] " But why did [you]_900-you keep [him]_136-harry alive ? "_[900-you] " Have [you]_900-you not understood [me]_901-i ? It was only [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} 's protection that was keeping [me]_901-i out of [Azkaban]_3-azkaban ! Do [you]_900-you disagree that murdering [[his]_136-harry favorite student]_{4535-his favorite student} might have turned [him]_136-harry against [me]_901-i ? But there was more to it than that . [I]_901-i should remind [you]_900-you that when [Potter]_136-harry first arrived at [Hogwarts]_14-hogwarts there were still many stories circulating about [him]_136-harry , rumors that [he]_136-harry [himself]_136-harry was [a great Dark wizard]_{4536-a great dark wizard} , which was how [he]_136-harry had survived [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} 's attack . Indeed , [many of [the Dark Lords old followers]_{4538-the dark lords old followers}]_{4537-many of the dark lords old followers} thought [Potter]_136-harry might be a standard around which [we]_4539-we could all rally once more . [I]_901-i was curious , [1]_901-i admit it , and not at all inclined to murder [him]_902-him the moment [he]_902-him set fool in [the castle]_{4540-the castle} . "_[901-i] Of course , it became apparent to [me]_0-i very quickly that [he]_902-him had no extraordinary talent at all . [He]_902-him has fought [his]_902-him way out of a number of tight corners by a simple combination of sheer luck and [more talented friends]_{903-more talented friends} . [He]_902-him is mediocre to the last degree , though as obnoxious and self - satisfied as was [[his]_902-him father]_{904-his father} before [him]_902-him . [I]_0-i have done [my]_0-i utmost to have [him]_902-him thrown out of [Hogwarts]_14-hogwarts , where [I]_0-i believe [he]_902-him scarcely belongs , but kill [him]_902-him , or allow [him]_902-him to be killed in front of [me]_0-i ? [I]_0-i would have been a fool to risk it with [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} close at hand . " "_{[146-dumbledore]} And through all this [we]_905-we are supposed to believe [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} has never suspected [you]_0-i ? " asked [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} . "_{[146-dumbledore]} [He]_{146-dumbledore} has no idea of [your]_0-i true allegiance , [he]_{146-dumbledore} trusts [you]_0-i implicitly still ? " "_{[146-dumbledore]} [I]_0-i have played [my]_0-i part well , " said [Snape]_156-snape . "_{[146-dumbledore]} And [you]_0-i overlook [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} 's greatest weakness : [He]_{146-dumbledore} has to believe the best of [people]_681-people . [I]_0-i spun [him]_{146-dumbledore} a tale of deepest remorse when [I]_0-i joined [his]_{146-dumbledore} staff , fresh from [my]_0-i Death Eater days , and [he]_{146-dumbledore} embraced [me]_0-i with open arms — though , as [I]_0-i say , never allowing [me]_0-i nearer [the Dark Arts]_{907-the dark arts} than [he]_{146-dumbledore} could help . [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} has been [a great wizard]_{908-a great wizard} — oh yes , [he]_{146-dumbledore} has , " ( for [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} had made a scathing noise ) , "_{[154-the dark lord]} [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} acknowledges it . [I]_0-i am pleased to say , however , that [Dumbledore]_{146-dumbledore} is growing old . The duel with [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} last month shook [him]_{146-dumbledore} . [He]_{146-dumbledore} has since sustained a serious injury because [his]_{146-dumbledore} reactions are slower than they once were . But through all these years , [he]_{146-dumbledore} has never stopped trusting [Severus Snape]_156-snape , and therein lies [my]_0-i great value to [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} . " [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} still looked unhappy , though [she]_{157-bellatrix} appeared unsure how best to attack [Snape]_156-snape next . Taking advantage of [her]_{157-bellatrix} silence , [Snape]_156-snape turned to [[her]_{157-bellatrix} sister]_{862-her sister} . "_{[154-the dark lord]} Now . . . [you]_909-you came to ask [me]_0-i for help , [Narcissa]_152-narcissa ? " [Narcissa]_152-narcissa looked up at [him]_156-snape , [her]_152-narcissa face eloquent with despair . "_[909-you] Yes , [Severus]_156-snape . [I]_0-i — [I]_0-i think [you]_909-you are the only one who can help [me]_0-i , [I]_0-i have nowhere else to turn . [Lucius]_164-lucius is in [jail]_4512-jail and . . . " [She]_152-narcissa closed [her]_152-narcissa eyes and two large tears seeped from beneath [her]_152-narcissa eyelids . "_[164-lucius] [The Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} has forbidden [me]_0-i to speak of it , " [Narcissa]_152-narcissa continued , [her]_152-narcissa eyes still closed . "_{[154-the dark lord]} [He]_{154-the dark lord} wishes [none]_911-none to know of the plan . It is ... very secret . But — " "_{[154-the dark lord]} If [he]_{154-the dark lord} has forbidden it , [you]_0-i ought not to speak , " said [Snape]_156-snape at once . "_{[154-the dark lord]} The [Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} 's word is law . " [Narcissa]_152-narcissa gasped as though [he]_156-snape had doused [her]_152-narcissa with cold water . [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} looked satisfied for the first time since [she]_{157-bellatrix} had entered [the house]_{4472-the house} . "_{[154-the dark lord]} There ! " [she]_{157-bellatrix} said triumphantly to [[her]_{157-bellatrix} sister]_{862-her sister} . "_{[154-the dark lord]} Even [Snape]_156-snape says so : [You]_0-i were told not to talk , so hold [your]_0-i silence ! " But [Snape]_156-snape had gotten to [his]_156-snape feet and strode to the small window , peered through the curtains at [the deserted street]_{4544-the deserted street} , then closed them again with a jerk . [He]_156-snape turned around to face [Narcissa]_152-narcissa , frowning . "_[156-snape] It so happens that [I]_0-i know of the plan , " [he]_0-i said in a low voice . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i am one of the few [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} has told . Nevertheless , had [I]_0-i not been in on the secret , [Narcissa]_152-narcissa , [you]_152-narcissa would have been guilty of great treachery to [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i thought [you]_0-i must know about it ! " said [Narcissa]_152-narcissa , breathing more freely . "_[0-i] [He]_{154-the dark lord} trusts [you]_0-i so , [Severus]_156-snape . ... " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i know about the plan ? " said [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} , [her]_{157-bellatrix} fleeting expression of satisfaction replaced by a look of outrage . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i know ? " "_[0-i] Certainly , " said [Snape]_156-snape . "_[0-i] But what help do [you]_152-narcissa require , [Nar - cissa]_{15-nar - cissa} ? If [you]_152-narcissa are imagining [I]_0-i can persuade [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} to change [his]_{154-the dark lord} mind , [I]_0-i am afraid there is no hope , none at all . " "_[156-snape] [Severus]_156-snape , " [she]_{157-bellatrix} whispered , tears sliding down [her]_{157-bellatrix} pale cheeks . "_[156-snape] [[My]_0-i son]_{912-my son} . . . [[my]_0-i only son]_{913-my only son} . . . " "_[156-snape] [Draco]_170-malfoy should be proud , " said [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} indifferently . "_[156-snape] [The Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} is granting [him]_170-malfoy a great honor . And [I]_0-i will say this for [Draco]_170-malfoy : [he]_170-malfoy is n't shrinking away from [his]_170-malfoy duty , [he]_170-malfoy seems glad of a chance to prove [himself]_170-malfoy , excited at the prospect — " [Narcissa]_152-narcissa began to cry in earnest , gazing beseechingly all the while at [Snape]_156-snape . "_[170-malfoy] That 's because [he]_170-malfoy is sixteen and has no idea what lies in store ! Why , [Severus]_156-snape ? Why [[my]_0-i son]_{912-my son} ? It is too dangerous ! This is vengeance [lor Lucius]_164-lucius 's mistake , [I]_0-i know it ! " [Snape]_156-snape said nothing . [He]_156-snape looked away from the sight of [her]_152-narcissa tears as though they were indecent , but [he]_156-snape could not pretend not to hear [her]_152-narcissa . "_[164-lucius] That 's why [he]_164-lucius 's chosen [Draco]_170-malfoy , is n't it ? " [she]_152-narcissa persisted . "_[170-malfoy] To punish [Lucius]_164-lucius ? " "_[170-malfoy] If [Draco]_170-malfoy succeeds , " said [Snape]_156-snape , still looking away from [her]_152-narcissa , "_[170-malfoy] [he]_170-malfoy will be honored above all others . " "_[170-malfoy] But [he]_170-malfoy wo n't succeed ! " sobbed [Narcissa]_152-narcissa . "_[170-malfoy] How can [he]_170-malfoy , when [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} [himself]_{4469-the dark lord} — ? " [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} gasped ; [Narcissa]_152-narcissa seemed to lose [her]_152-narcissa nerve . "_[170-malfoy] [I]_0-i only meant . . . that [nobody]_687-nobody has yet succeeded . . . . [Severus]_156-snape . . . please . . . [You]_156-snape are , [you]_156-snape have always been , [[Draco]_170-malfoy 's favorite teacher]_{917-draco 's favorite teacher} . . . . [You]_156-snape are [[Lucius]_164-lucius 's old friend]_{918-lucius 's old friend} . ... [I]_0-i beg [you]_156-snape . .. . [You]_156-snape are [[the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} 's favorite]_{920-the dark lord 's favorite} , [[his]_{4469-the dark lord} most trusted advisor]_{921-his most trusted advisor} . . . . Will [you]_156-snape speak to [him]_{4469-the dark lord} , persuade [him]_{4469-the dark lord} — ? " "_[156-snape] [The Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} will not be persuaded , and [I]_0-i am not stupid enough to attempt it , " said [Snape]_156-snape flatly . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i can not pretend that [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} is not angry with [Lucius]_164-lucius . [Lucius]_164-lucius was supposed to be in charge . [He]_{4469-the dark lord} got [himself]_{4469-the dark lord} captured , along with how many others , and failed to retrieve the prophecy into the bargain . Yes , [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} is angry , [Narcissa]_152-narcissa , very angry indeed . " "_{[4469-the dark lord]} Then [I]_0-i am right , [he]_{4469-the dark lord} has chosen [Draco]_170-malfoy in revenge ! " choked [Narcissa]_152-narcissa . "_{[4469-the dark lord]} [He]_{4469-the dark lord} does not mean [him]_170-malfoy to succeed , [he]_{4469-the dark lord} wants [him]_170-malfoy to be killed trying ! " When [Snape]_156-snape said nothing , [Narcissa]_152-narcissa seemed to lose what little self - restraint [she]_152-narcissa still possessed . Standing up , [she]_152-narcissa staggered to [Snape]_156-snape and seized the front of [his]_156-snape robes . [Her]_152-narcissa face close to [his]_156-snape , [her]_152-narcissa tears falling onto [his]_156-snape chest , [she]_152-narcissa gasped , "_[924-you] [You]_924-you could do it . [You]_924-you could do it instead of [Draco]_170-malfoy , [Severus]_156-snape . [You]_924-you would succeed , of course [you]_924-you would , and [he]_170-malfoy would reward [you]_924-you beyond all of [us]_925-us — " [Snape]_156-snape caught hold of [her]_152-narcissa wrists and removed [her]_152-narcissa clutching hands . Looking down into [her]_152-narcissa tearstained face , [he]_156-snape said slowly , "_[170-malfoy] [He]_170-malfoy intends [me]_0-i to do it in the end , [I]_0-i think . But [he]_170-malfoy is determined that [Draco]_170-malfoy should try first . [You]_926-you see , in the unlikely event that [Draco]_170-malfoy succeeds , [I]_0-i shall be able to remain at [Hogwarts]_14-hogwarts a little longer , fulfilling [my]_0-i useful role as [spy]_927-spy . " "_[926-you] In other words , it does n't matter to [him]_170-malfoy if [Draco]_170-malfoy is killed ! " "_{[154-the dark lord]} [The Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} is very angry , " repeated [Snape]_156-snape quietly . "_[170-malfoy] [He]_170-malfoy failed to hear the prophecy . [You]_926-you know as well as [I]_0-i do , [Narcissa]_152-narcissa , that [he]_170-malfoy does not forgive easily . " [She]_152-narcissa crumpled , falling at [his]_156-snape feet , sobbing and moaning on the floor . "_[170-malfoy] [[My]_0-i only son]_{913-my only son} . . . [[my]_0-i only son]_{913-my only son} . . . " "_[170-malfoy] [You]_0-i should be proud ! " said [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} ruthlessly . "_[0-i] If [I]_0-i had [sons]_930-sons , [I]_0-i would be glad to give [them]_930-sons up to the service of [the Dark Lord]_{154-the dark lord} ! " [Narcissa]_152-narcissa gave a little scream of despair and clutched at [her]_152-narcissa long blonde hair . [Snape]_156-snape stooped , seized [her]_152-narcissa by the arms , lifted [her]_152-narcissa up , and steered [her]_152-narcissa back onto the sofa . [He]_156-snape then poured [her]_152-narcissa more wine and forced the glass into [her]_152-narcissa hand . "_{[152-narcissa]} [Narcissa]_152-narcissa , that 's enough . Drink this . Listen to [me]_0-i . " [She]_152-narcissa quieted a little ; slopping wine down [herself]_152-narcissa , [she]_152-narcissa took a shaky sip . "_[0-i] It might be possible ... for [me]_0-i to help [Draco]_170-malfoy . " [She]_152-narcissa sat up , [her]_152-narcissa face paper - white , [her]_152-narcissa eyes huge . "_[156-snape] [Severus]_156-snape — oh , [Severus]_156-snape — [you]_156-snape would help [him]_170-malfoy ? Would [you]_156-snape look after [him]_170-malfoy , see [he]_170-malfoy comes to no harm ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i can try . " [She]_152-narcissa flung away [her]_152-narcissa glass ; it skidded across the table as [she]_152-narcissa slid off the sofa into a kneeling position at [Snape]_156-snape 's feet , seized [his]_156-snape hand in both of [hers]_152-narcissa , and pressed [her]_152-narcissa lips to it . "_[0-i] If [you]_156-snape are there to protect [him]_170-malfoy . . . [Severus]_156-snape , will [you]_156-snape swear it ? Will [you]_156-snape make the Unbreakable Vow ? " "_[156-snape] The Unbreakable Vow ? " [Snape]_156-snape 's expression was blank , unreadable . [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} , however , let out a cackle of triumphant laughter . "_[156-snape] Are n't [you]_156-snape listening , [Narcissa]_152-narcissa ? Oh , [he]_170-malfoy 'll try , [I]_0-i 'm sure . . . . The usual empty words , the usual slithering out of action . . . oh , on [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} 's orders , of course ! " [Snape]_156-snape did not look at [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} . [His]_156-snape black eyes were fixed upon [Narcissa]_152-narcissa 's tear - filled blue ones as [she]_{157-bellatrix} continued to clutch [his]_156-snape hand . "_{[4469-the dark lord]} Certainly , [Narcissa]_152-narcissa , [I]_0-i shall make the Unbreakable Vow , " [he]_0-i said quietly . "_[0-i] Perhaps [[your]_152-narcissa sister]_{932-your sister} will consent to be [[our]_933-their Bonder]_{934-our bonder} . " [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} 's mouth fell open . [Snape]_156-snape lowered [himself]_156-snape so that [he]_156-snape was kneeling opposite [Narcissa]_152-narcissa . Beneath [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} 's astonished gaze , [they]_933-their grasped right hands . "_{[152-narcissa]} [You]_152-narcissa will need [your]_152-narcissa wand , [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} , " said [Snape]_156-snape coldly . [She]_{157-bellatrix} drew it , still looking astonished . "_{[157-bellatrix]} And [you]_152-narcissa will need to move a little closer , " [he]_156-snape said . [She]_{157-bellatrix} stepped forward so that [she]_{157-bellatrix} stood over [them]_933-their , and placed the tip of [her]_{157-bellatrix} wand on [their]_933-their linked hands . [Narcissa]_152-narcissa spoke . "_{[152-narcissa]} Will [you]_152-narcissa , [Severus]_156-snape , watch over [[my]_0-i son]_{912-my son} , [Draco]_170-malfoy , as [he]_170-malfoy attempts to fulfill [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} 's wishes ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will , " said [Snape]_156-snape . A thin tongue of brilliant flame issued from the wand and wound its way around [their]_933-their hands like a red - hot wire . "_[0-i] And will [you]_152-narcissa , to the best of [your]_152-narcissa ability , protect [him]_170-malfoy from harm ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will , " said [Snape]_156-snape . A second tongue of flame shot from the wand and interlinked with the first , making a fine , glowing chain . "_[0-i] And , should it prove necessary ... if it seems [Draco]_170-malfoy will fail . . . " whispered [Narcissa]_152-narcissa ( [Snape]_156-snape 's hand twitched within [hers]_152-narcissa , but [he]_156-snape did not draw away ) , "_{[152-narcissa]} will [you]_152-narcissa carry out the deed that [the Dark Lord]_{4469-the dark lord} has ordered [Draco]_170-malfoy to perform ? " There was a moment 's silence . [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} watched , [her]_{157-bellatrix} wand upon [their]_4545-their clasped hands , [her]_{157-bellatrix} eyes wide . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will , " said [Snape]_156-snape . [Bellatrix]_{157-bellatrix} 's astounded face glowed red in the blaze of a third unique of flame , which shot from the wand , twisted with the others , and bound itself thickly around [their]_4545-their clasped hands , like a rope , like a fiery snake ._[0-i]